Biogeochemical Cycles

What is a nutrient?

• A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life

• A process that removes nitrogen from the atmosphere

• The cycle of water through the environment

• A type of energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which process involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants?

• nitrogen fixation

• denitrification

• biogeochemical cycle

• photosynthesis

Denitrification is best described as which of the following?

• The process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas

• The absorption of nutrients by plants

• The fixation of nitrogen by bacteria

• The movement of water through soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why are natural processes important in the biosphere?

• They cycle matter and nutrients through the biosphere.

• They create new species.

• They stop the flow of energy.

• They prevent organisms from surviving.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is involved in the cycling of nutrients through the biosphere?

• Only living organisms

• Only physical processes

• Both living organisms and physical processes

• Only chemical reactions

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why is nitrogen fixation important for plants?

• It provides energy for photosynthesis.

• It converts nitrogen into a usable form for plant growth.

• It helps plants absorb water.

• It protects plants from diseases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which process returns nitrogen to the atmosphere as N₂ gas?

• Nitrification

• Nitrogen fixation

• Denitrification

• Decomposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How does phosphorus cycle quickly in the biosphere?

• As nitrates through water

• As phosphates through sediments, plants, and consumers

• As carbon dioxide through the air

• As oxygen through respiration

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following statements best explains why phosphorus is unique among nutrients in the biosphere?

• It cycles through the atmosphere as a gas.

• It is only found in living organisms.

• It does not cycle as part of the atmosphere.

• It is not essential for growth.

What role do decomposers play in the phosphate cycle as shown in the diagram?

• They release phosphate from plant and animal wastes back into the soil.

• They absorb phosphate from the air.

• They convert phosphate into nitrogen.

• They prevent phosphate from entering water bodies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3